Safe brakes
Page 88
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• Mintex Don has introduced a range of six asbestos-free brake linings for trucks, trailers, buses and coaches.
Each of these "second generation" linings has a slightly different composition to suit various brake designs.
In the past, asbestos-free brake linings have tended to be based on Kevlar which can be very hard on the drums. However, after two years of field trials the new linings are said to give longer life and be less abrasive than their predecessors.
At a working temperature of 400°C the lining wear factor for the new materials ranges from 1.2 to 2.0 compared with the traditional Don 242 which scores 3.5 on the same scale. Friction coefficients on the new materials are generally superior to asbestos linings.
The new products will be marketed under the Don Non-asbestos and Mintex Safebrake banners.
One national distribution specialists trialed the new range with vehicles clocking up more than 80,000Iun (50,000 miles) on the linings. It is planning to fit the new linings throughout the fleet as replacements become necessary.
Its depot manager said: You can reline and take the vehicle straight down the test station."